President Bola Tinubu has expressed his condolences following the death of Issa Hayatou, the former President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and one-time acting President of FIFA.
News About Nigeria reported that Hayatou died on Thursday after a long illness, one day before his 78th birthday.
In a statement issued by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Tinubu conveyed his heartfelt sympathies to the family of the late football administrator, as well as to the Cameroonian Football Federation and the broader African football community.
Tinubu described his passing as a huge loss to the sport.
“The President describes the passing of the legendary football administrator as a huge loss, underlining his contributions to the development of the sport in Africa and beyond.
“The President prays for the repose of the soul of the departed and strength to his family at this difficult time,” the statement read.
Hayatou, who led CAF for an unprecedented 29 years from 1988 until his unexpected removal in 2017, was instrumental in shaping African football during his tenure.
His leadership saw the expansion of the Africa Cup of Nations and increased African representation in global football competitions.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe, in a statement, praised Hayatou’s lasting impact on African football, noting that CAF and its member associations will honor his memory by flying their flags at half-mast until August 13, 2024.
In Nigeria, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, also paid tribute to Hayatou, acknowledging his strong character and dedication to African football.
“He was a great and much-loved leader of African football and did his best to leave African football greater than he met it,” Gusau said while praying for Hayatou’s soul to rest in peace and for strength for his family and the African football community during this time of mourning.
